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After delivering the verdict of accidental suffocation, coroner Kim Quick said: 'I would like to caution those that sleep with their infants, that this is an unsafe practice,' according to the Idaho State Journal.

The incidence of sudden death from suffocation among infants quadrupled from 1984 to 2004, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.

Just born: The twins, above and below, in their hospital beds

Tribute: The boys' father said they would 'always be in our hearts'

After the death of Gabriel and Tryce, their father Ross Medrano posted a heartfelt Facebook tribute to the identical twins.

'Daddy and Mommy love you guys and you will always be in our hearts,' he wrote.

'I just want to thank everyone for all the love and the support. Kiarra and I are very thank [sic] for all the love and support.'

A few days before the boys' death, Ms Kimbel wrote: 'Wow, it is amazing to have two babies. Hard work and lost sleep but way worth it. I love them so much.'

SHOULD PARENTS SLEEP WITH THEIR BABIES?

Experts say the practice of parents sharing a bed with their children puts babies at risk of suffocation and strangulation.

In the last national statistics, taken between 1990 and 1997, 515 infants under the age of three died from co-sleeping.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing with parents rather than sharing a bed.

The group lists a number of possible risks:

Suffocation of the baby from a parent rolling onto or next to the baby.

The baby suffocating after being trapped between a mattress and a headboard, or mattress and the wall.

Suffocation of the baby from sleeping face-down on the mattress, pillow or blanket.

Strangulation of the baby from the infant's head being trapped in part of the headboard.

However, advocates claim there are many benefits to co-sleeping,
such as allowing the mother to match the sleep cycle of her child,
encouraging breast feeding and helping babies sleep more easily.